by talvyrn
Elias Mercer died. Instead, he wakes face-down in a mud puddle beneath an alien sky split by a luminous ring, stranded in a world of monsters, magic, and a System that should not exist. Armed with little more than a stone spear and the training of a former marine, Eli must carve out a place in a land where survival is earned in blood. His path soon collides with Astra Emberholdt, a young knight sworn to defend the frontier. As the pair are drawn together by a rare connection neither fully understands, they find their fates becoming increasingly intertwined. Yet the deeper Eli and Astra delve into the mysteries of their world, the more they begin to suspect something is terribly wrong. The gods are gone. The world is broken. The System guiding their growth may not exist for the reasons everyone believes. And whatever shattered the world may not be finished yet. --------------------------------------- What to Expect - Steady, earned progression—no shortcuts, no instant godhood - Dual protagonists with a growing bond (and a slow-burn romance) - Tactical combat, monster hunts, and survival on a dangerous frontier - A loyal (and slightly chaotic) wyvern companion - Hard choices, lasting consequences, and battles that actually matter - A fractured world, missing gods, and something stirring beneath it all --------------------------------------- Release Schedule ⚔️ New chapters every weekday at 9 AM PST 📖 Over 300,000 words posted and ongoing 📚 Book 1 is complete and available now on Royal Road! 🔥 30+ chapters ahead on Patreon if you want to read ahead --------------------------------------- If you enjoy the story, consider following, rating, or leaving a comment—it helps more than you know. Contains violence and darker themes. Intended for mature audiences.
